Braun & Hogenberg's Civitates Orbis Terrarum or "Cities of the World" was published between 1572 and 1617. Within the six volumes, 531 towns and cities were depicted on 363 plates, providing the reader with the pleasures of travel without the attendant discomforts. Braun wrote in the preface to the third book, "What could be more pleasant than, in one's own home far from all danger, to gaze in these books at the universal form of the earth . . . adorned with the splendor of cities and fortresses and, by looking at pictures and reading the texts accompanying them, to acquire knowledge which could scarcely be had but by long and difficult journeys?" Braun and Hogenberg incorporated an astonishing wealth of information into each scene beyond the city layout and important buildings. The plates provide an impression of the economy and prominent occupations, and illustrate local costumes, manners and customs.

This lovely bird's-eye view illustrates the northern city of Valenciennes, previously called the "Valley of the Swans." The Scheldt River's winding path is depicted through the town while the basilica of Notre-Dame-du-Saint-Cordon and the Eglise Saint-Gery are prominent near the town's center. Typical of Braun and Hogenberg's style, there are two local figures in the foreground at right. The plan is further decorated by two coats-of-arms at top and a decorative title cartouche. Latin text on verso.

References: Fussel, p. 230; Van der Krogt (Vol. IV) #4552.

Condition: A

Full contemporary color with a couple of repaired wormholes in the bottom blank margin.